The following is a letter written by Dr. Larry Anderson of Wellington:

To the editor: The Wellington office of the Farm Bureau of Kansas held a delegate forum at the Donut Shop early this year, where we heard Sen Dr. Abrams, Rep Kasha Kelly, and Rep Kyle Hoffman describe the challenges they face in performing the duties of their offices, the reasons why they felt that Gov Brownback’s ideas for Kansas were the right ideas, and why they continued to oppose Medicaid Expansion.

The Kansas Legislative bodies were still in session and I sent the three of them the same letter thanking them for the time they spent with us in Wellington, but sharing with them that if they did not approve Medicaid Expansion that session, I would join a growing movement to get them defeated.   I have supported Dr. Abrams from his days on the Kansas State School Board, would count him as a friend, and was not surprised when he returned my last winter’s contribution to his campaign as he stepped down and identified Mr. Alley as his replacement.

A supporter of Mr. Alley called me and I advised her that I was planning to vote for Don Shimkus for that senate seat, but that if Mr. Alley would call me and tell me that  as  a  Republican,  he would fight to undo the damage that Gov. Brownback has caused, then I might reconsider and vote for Mr. Alley.   Mr. Alley has not called me back!!   Our votes allowed Anita Judd-Jenkins to defeat Kasha Kelly in the Republican primary.    TWO  down,  ONE to go!!

Since the 1950s, we have elected just as many democratic as republican governors.  Two past governors from each party, Carlin, Graves, Hayden, and Sebelius, have recently joined forces to tour Kansas and highlight the devastation caused by the “Brownback Experiment”.

As a past-president of the Kansas Medical Society, I feel you need  to  know  that  the KMS does NOT endorse candidates for political office, even though Kyle Hoffman’s brochure claims this endorsement.  The Kansas Academy of Family Physicians is that specialty organization most aligned with Kansas rural healthcare and promotes Medicaid Expansion as a powerful way to improve access.   As a KAFP past president, let me advise you that the KAFP is pleased to list the following candidates as supportive of Medicaid Expansion:  Jolene Roitman, Anita Judd-Jenkins, Melissa Schlitz, and Don Shimkus.

The Kansas Hospital Association held a Wellington Forum last week to discuss Medicaid Expansion.  Melissa Schiltz and Don Shimkus were there, Jolene Roitman sent her regrets due to a previous engagement and Anita Judd-Jenkins attended similar forums in Ark City.   The KHA-PAC has provided financial support for Anita Judd-Jenkins, Jolene Roitman, and Don Shimkus

We understand the sad fact that during the coming two years of Brownback’s term, we will need a veto proof congress to correct the damage his administration has inflicted on Kansas.  If Republican candidates are not ready to reject the Brownback plan, then we must elect democrats to at least 2/3rds of the senate and house seats.  It has been the hard right and the hard left which are destroying the political system of our country and polarizing our citizens.  We moderates of both parties have to step up to the plate.   I did suggest to the Democratic candidates at the Forum that if after cleaning up the Brownback mess, they then start listening to the hard left of their national party, we will quickly bring them home at the next election cycle as we are now bringing home the hard right of the Kansas Republican party.

GRACE,

Larry  Anderson  MD     

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